“I would venture to guess that any recording artist that says they haven’t dreamt of winning a GRAMMY or written their speech during childhood is totally lying,” he told Radio.com.

But after the Academy took away the category for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2012, Mann, who released his debut, Roads, last year, is concerned that he’s lost his chance of ever taking home a statue. He was so upset he decided to share his concerns with the head of the Academy.

“The first thing out of my mouth was, ‘Why did you get rid of my category? What am I supposed to do, compete with Bieber?’” Mann said.

Though the classical singer believes he would have no prayer of beating someone like Justin Bieber–who actually received zero noms this year–in a pop music category, he’s still hopeful he could squeak out a win for Best New Artist. Mann believes it is “the coveted spot” and an award that even his adversary Bieber couldn’t win. He lost the award in 2011 to jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding.

But for Mann just being nominated is an honor, no matter how cliché that might sound to some.

“I think that would just be beyond comprehension if next year I was nominated for something. I would just be really grateful for that and super excited,” he explained. “It’s really the ultimate validation as somebody who makes music.”